Students as the Standard-Bearers of Iran’s Progress, Independence, and Authority
Dr. Yaqub Soleimani, Deputy for Cultural and Educational Affairs at the Martyr and Veterans Affairs Foundation
The 16th of Azar (National Student Day) serves as a reminder of a historical incident. The role of students and universities shines brightly in all contemporary historical transformations. In the 1979 Revolution, students were the educated, forward-thinking vanguard leading the struggle against despotism, playing an effective and decisive role in the course of the Islamic Revolution.
Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, these students remained actively involved in various revolutionary arenas. These devoted and sacrificing youths rushed to support the system and the country from the very beginning of the counter-revolutionary unrest. Furthermore, during the Imposed War (the invasion by Iraq), they went from their classrooms to the front lines to teach the history of Iran and the world lessons in sacrifice, bravery, and patriotism.
The importance of universities in cultivating an aware and responsible generation is self-evident to all. Universities must take the lead in accurately articulating the realities and in expanding the culture of sacrifice and resistance.
It is with the understanding of this necessity that one of the main axes of our long-term activity and vision has been to maintain this spirit and continue this sacred bond.
For decades, the Martyr and Veterans Affairs Foundation has played a vital role in advancing the educational, academic, and welfare standards for veterans’ families within the scientific community. We consider improving the quality of service to this group a source of our own credibility and essential for the elevation of the country’s scientific and cultural foundations.
Once again, I commemorate the memory of the student and academic martyrs on the path of fighting against imperialist domination, from the 16th of Azar 1953 (1974) up to the 12-day Imposed War. I ask for prosperity and success from the Almighty for all the border guards protecting the sanctuary of Iran’s honor, independence, and authority—those who have turned knowledge, culture, and technology into a horizon for this martyrs’ land’s proud tomorrow, and who serve as the sentinels of this nation’s progress and victory in the world.
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